Hokkaido Weather in February 2026: Cold Days with Lively Winter Festivals

Hokkaido's February continues the coldness of January with consistent snow, showcasing peak winter conditions.

Heavy snowfall blanketed the ski resorts in deep powder, which is perfect for skiing and other snow sports. You could easily beat the cold with a relaxing hot spring bath or savor a steaming hot Genghis Khan barbecue.

Blizzards may occur occasionally. Remember to allow some maneuvering time and check the weather forecast.

Hokkaido's Weather and Climate in February

• Average Temperature: -4°C (25°F)
• ‌Daytime Highs: 0°C (32°F)
• ‌Nighttime Lows: -7°C (19°F)
• Snowfall: 205mm/ 8.08″

Arriving in mid-winter, February retains the freezing cold and heavy snowfall like January.

Days are short, around 10 hours with frosty mornings and freezing nights, so it is advisable to dress in thermal layers, woolen accessories, and waterproof footwear for comfort.

Thanks to the snowy weather, world-renowned ski resorts such as Niseko and Furano are blanketed with deep snow, offering ideal conditions for winter activities such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

But it should be noted that heavy snowstorms or blizzards may cause transportation disruption and regional power outages, which may lead to your trip being delayed. Keep an eye on updates about local weather forecasts, and allow flexibility for your trip, especially when planning to visit remote areas like Shiretoko National Park.

Is February a Good Time to Visit Hokkaido?

Short Answer: Yes!

Detailed Answer:

February is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts, with world-class ski resorts like Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano boasting deep powder and ski slopes suited for multi-level difficulty. If you are not a fan of skiing, winter activities such as snowshoeing for a quiet view or hopping on an ice-breaker cruise could add to the thrill.

For cultural travelers, attend the Sapporo Snow Festival, showcasing massive ice sculptures and illuminated night displays, while the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival offers a lantern-lit canal and snow-covered street, creating a romantic ambiance.

February is also the peak time to visit Hokkaido. Book your accommodations and flights three to six months ahead for better rates, and pack thick layers and waterproof gear for snowy weather.

Where to Go in February in Hokkaido

Sapporo

• Suggested schedule time: 3 days

February is the peak time to visit Hokkaido, and you could expect the festive vibe before arriving in Sapporo.

No need to rush to enjoy the beautiful snow scenery, you could first warm up with miso ramen at Ramen Yokocho, or savor some limited beers in the Sapporo Beer Museum. Don't forget to attend the iconic Sapporo Snow Festival at Odori Park and admire the ice sculptures and illuminated night displays.

For winter sport enthusiasts, only a 30-minute drive away, you could head to Sapporo Teine Ski Resort to enjoy night skiing, glide down the slope with a stunning night view of Sapporo city.

Niseko

• Suggested schedule time: 3–4 days

As a world-renowned skiing paradise, Niseko not only has deep and dry powder snow, but also boasts comprehensive facilities and top-notch service.

You could ski on slopes that suited beginners to advanced skiers, or try some off-piste adventures like snowmobiling. After having fun in the snow world, soak in onsens or savor Hokkaido's fresh seafood at local ryokans to call it a perfect day.

You may also be interested in: Where to Stay in Niseko?

Otaru

• Suggested schedule time: 1–2 days

Otaru is popular as a day-trip destination from Sapporo, especially in winter when the Snow Light Path Festival transforms the canal district into a magical winter scene. After sunset, you could stroll the historic canal with lantern-lit snow sculptures, immerse yourself in the romantic atmosphere created by warm yellow glows and slowly falling snow.

Noboribetsu

• Suggested schedule time: 1–2 days

One of the top things to do in winter is to unwind in the hot spring, and Noboribetsu could be your first choice.

Remember to reserve your stay in a traditional ryokan in advance to ensure your experience in February. Before soaking in sulfur-rich waters at Jigokudani (Hell Valley), you could hike through the volcanic steaming landscape along a snowy trail. The kaiseki cuisine in Noboribetsu is also very famous and deserves a try.

Top Things to Do in Hokkaido in February

Enjoy Snow Sports and Winter Activities

Hokkaido in February delivers peak powder conditions, allowing for a variety of snow activities.

Besides skiing or snowboarding in one of the world-famous ski resorts such as Niseko, Rusutsu, and Furano, you could look further afield. Take part in a drift ice tour in Shiretoko Peninsula to cruise through frozen seascapes, or walk on ice floes and listen to the crashing sound.

Soak in Steamy Onsens with Snowscapes

Snow sports are undoubtedly fun, but they could easily lead to catching a cold, especially after intense exercise and sweating profusely.

Relieve yourself from the cold in steamy onsens to warm up quickly. If you are interested in one of Noboribetsu's mineral-rich hot springs, you could opt for an outdoor one, which is surrounded by snow-covered landscapes and offers surreal snowy vistas.

Join Iconic Snow Festivals

• Sapporo Snow Festival: February 4 – 11, 2026
• Otaru Snow Light Path: Early – Mid February, 2026
• Asahikawa Winter Festival: Early – Mid February, 2026

When visiting Hokkaido in February, attending the iconic winter festival could be a top priority. Most festivals are held from early to mid-February and are free to attend.

Take your time in Sapporo Odori Park to marvel at some spectacular ice sculptures and enjoy the illuminated displays after sunset, or head to Otaru to stroll the Sakaimachi Street for the lantern-lit historic canal and snowy scenery.

For families with children, the Asahikawa Winter Festival may be more suitable for you. Having fewer crowds than Sapporo, you could also admire ice sculptures here, along with interesting parent-child ice projects such as giant snow slides.

Crowds and Costs in Hokkaido in February

Crowds from all over the world are attracted to Hokkaido in February for world-class ski resorts and the Sapporo Snow Festival, especially during mid-February.

As the peak time to visit Hokkaido, you could expect costs to be 30-50% pricier than off-season, including flights and accommodations. Reserve three to six months in advance for better rates, or you could stay in nearby cities like Otaru or Chitose as alternative choices.

What to Pack and Wear in Hokkaido in February

Hokkaido's February is freezing cold average of -4°C (25°F), with strong winds, heavy snow, and occasional blizzards.

Pack yourself with thermal base layers and waterproof outfits for snowy days, and keep warm with woolen accessories like gloves and scarves. Phones may die quickly in cold weather, so bring a dry bag and a power bank with you for electronics.

However, you could rent your ski gear in the ski resort, so travel light and buy necessities after landing is also workable.

FAQs About Hokkaido Weather in February

Does it Snow Every Day in February?

Yes. February is a snowy month with frequent heavy snowfall, especially in mountainous and coastal regions.

Ski resorts like Niseko and Kiroro, that on the east side of the Sea of Japan, often receive strong snowfall brought by sea wind, which also makes them top ski resorts. Remember to check updates of the weather forecast, and allow for float since snowstorms could temporarily disrupt travel plans.

Will Flights/Trains be Delayed Due to Snow?

It could be. Heavy snow may cause low visibility and poor signal, and it could delay flights for hours or even for days. Trains are generally reliable and less likely to be affected by heavy snowfall that causes outages.

All in all, you should always check weather advisories and allow extra travel time for flexibility.

Do Festivals Get Canceled Due to Snowstorms?

This could rarely happen. Major events such as the Sapporo Snow Festival are usually held as normal, and are less likely to be stopped by a severe snowstorm.

Due to the impact of global warming, abnormally high temperatures are more likely to become a difficulty, as ice sculptures are exhibited outdoors and rely on low temperatures to maintain their shape.

Let Us Help You Plan Your 2026 Trip

Are you expecting to travel to Hokkaido in 2026? See below for some of our most popular tour itineraries that include Hokkaido:

• 8-Day Hokkaido Summer Vacation
• 9-Day Best of Japan's Winter
• 14-Day Japan Highlights and Skiing in Hokkaido

Contact us and we'll help you to plan your Hokkaido itinerary based on your personal preferences.